Taste of Newport

The weekend you're taste buds have waited all summer for has finally arrived... the Taste of Newport is setting up shop at Fashion Island for one weekend only. This tasty event is taking place:
Friday, September 18 from 6-11pm
Saturday, September 19 from 4-11pm
Sunday, September 29 from Noon-8pm

General Admission tickets are $25 & children under 8 are admitted FREE. Once inside, you will be able to sample food from some of the area's best restaurants - over 30 different restaurants and 15 wineries will be participating. Food "tastes" range beteween $1 and $7. But the food & drink is only the beginning. The weekend will also feature several chef demonstrations, as well as an incredible line-up of FREE entertainment featuring Sugar Ray, Train, David Cook & so much more.

For more information regarding the Taste of Newport go HERE.

xoxo, K

Orange International Street Fair

image by sarah lee via flickr

Every Labor Day Weekend, for over 30 years, the Orange International Street Fair takes over downtown Orange. With food, music, & dance from different countries and ethnicity's from around the world, the Orange International Street Fair is definitely a cultural experience you don't want to miss. & with every penny of the profits from the Street Fair going to non-profit charities, helping people here in our community, you can feel good about yourself by attending.

The event itself is FREE to attend, although each of the individual booths will have prices set for food, etc. & Although I always attend simply because of the food, there is so much more... Arts & Crafts vendors, tons of entertainment, as well as an entire "Children's Village" with crafts and game booths designed for the "younger crowd." If you are thinking of bringing the entire family, I'd suggest a day-time adventure. While the Street Fair is open late each night, from my own personal experience, I've found the days to be much more "family-friendly."

What: 2009 Orange International Street Fair
When: Friday, September 4th: 5-10pm, Saturday, September 5th: 10am-10pm, & Sunday, September 6th: 10am-10pm
Where: The Circle in Downtown Orange, directions & map HERE

xoxo, K

Annie jr. Presented by the OC Children's Theatre

In just a few days the Orange County Children's Theatre's production of Annie jr. will be taking "center stage." All shows will be performed at the newly renovated Huntington Beach High School Historic Theater:

* Friday, August 14th at 7:30pm
* Saturday, August 15th at 2:30 & 7:30pm
* Sunday, August 16th at 2:30pm
* Friday, August 21st at 7:30pm
* Saturday, August 22nd at 2:30 & 7:30pm
* Sunday, August 23rd at 7:30pm

Tickets are $12-$14 each & can be purchased HERE.

xoxo, K

Project Playhouse at the Irvine Spectrum

The HomeAide Orange County's Project Playhouses are on display now (until September 12th) at the Irvine Spectrum Center.

Project Playhouse debuted in 1992 and has become HomeAid Orange County's signature fundraiser. In 18 years, the event has raised more than $5 million to help the organization fulfill its mission to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives.

The success of Project Playhouse is attributed to the incredibly generous builder teams who donate their time, talent and resources to construct each fantasy cottage. These whimsical playhouses contain working electrical systems and include such amenities as flat screen TVs, entertainment systems and video game players.

Over the next couple of weeks you can "tour" the playhouses weekends, from noon until 6pm. The cost is $10 per person (according to their website, but they charged me just $5 per person), children ages 3 & under are free. You can buy tickets at the Irvine Spectrum Center or online HERE. (Just realize, that you can't actually "tour" each playhouse. It's more like a sneak peak through the Dutch door.) Don't worry, you don't have to necessarily "tour" the playhouses to get a view. Even though the playhouses are closed during the week, you can still catch a good look at their exteriors. &, If you are just itching to buy a playhouse of your very own, the entire event culminates with the public auction of all the Project Playhouses.

For more information go HERE.
xoxo, K

San Diego's 3 for 1 Pass from Costco : Sea World, San Diego Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park

image via Costco

Summer is almost over, so I have been searching for a way to enjoy the last days with the kids and stay within a budget. I spotted San Diego's 3 for 1 pass from Costco and it save your 20% off the ticketed prices. Essentially, you get discount tickets to Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park, but the catch is that you have to use them all within five days. Here are the details:

Enjoy an unforgettable San Diego experience with the San Diego 3-for-1 Pass. For less than the combined price of general admissions you get unlimited admission to SeaWorld® San Diego, San Diego Zoo® and San Diego Zoo's Animal Park for up to five consecutive days at a savings of up to 20%. Experience the best San Diego has to offer with the San Diego 3-for-1 Pass.

San Diego 3-for-1 Pass Information:

• Five days of unlimited admission to the following three attractions:
  • SeaWorld Adventure Park® San Diego
  • San Diego Zoo®
  • San Diego Zoo® Wild Animal Park
• Pass expires 5 days past date of first use
• First day of use must occur by March 31, 2010

The Tickets are 89.99 for Adults (10 and older) and 72.99 for Kids (Children 3-9). Now I just need to figure out how to be energized enough to take the kids to three parks in five days.

xoxo, C

GNO in the OC: Traditions by Pascal and Julie + Julia

Saw this post on Stick a Fork in It and thought that it would make a perfect combination for a Girl's Night Out. Yummy French food paired with the inspiring movie, Julie & Julia would make a great night out with girlfriends without even having to leave the OC. Click here for movie times and here for more information about Traditions by Pascal's tribute to Julia Child (they also having cooking classes this month). Can't wait to make this GNO a reality with K. Want to join us?

xoxo, C

FREE Summer Concerts at Chapman University

Chapman University's FREE family-friendly summer outdoor concert series kicks off tonight, Friday July 31st. They will be offering 3 FREE concerts throughout the remainder of the summer (Fridays: July 31st, August 14th & August 21st). All of the concerts will begin at 6pm & will be taking place on the Wells Fargo Stage in front of the Leatherby Libraries in the center of the campus. & When we say FREE, we mean FREE. Not only is the concert & the parking FREE, but they will also be handing out FREE lemonade, popcorn & coffee!

So grab your blankets, bring some lawn chairs, & you are welcome to bring a picnic dinner (please no BBQ grills though!). The campus will open for picnicking at 5pm & the show will start at 6pm!

Friday, July 31st: Orange County Swing Band
Friday, August 14th: Surfin' USA
Friday, August 21st: The Alley Cats

For more information go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Chapman

Last Few Days of the OC Fair

* Did you know.... that there are only a few more days left to visit the OC Fair for this year? It ends, Sunday August 9th.
* Did you know... your fair experience doesn't have to be all deep-fried treats & carnival rides. Did you know, that you can actually sneak in a little bit of an educational experience, & your kids won't even realize it? This year at the fair, giant chldren's books, flanked by colorful beanbag seat & shelvs of classic page-tuners are drawing children (& adults) in for story time & reading tips. Sounds like a fun, easy way to encourage a little summer-time reading, I think, allthanks to Children & Families Commission of Orange County's Early Literacy Program.
* Did you know... that if you spend $10 or more select at Ralph's locations, and bring the Ralph's receipt, you can purchase $5 admission tickets (valid before 5 PM & weekdays only, Wed-Fri, with a limit of 5 tickets)?
* Did you know... that on Wednesday, August 5th, you can get in FREE plus receive one FREE carnival ride with donation of one school item valued at $5 or more. One ticket/carnival ride per person. (Benefits OC public schools via Rotary Club International. View Wish List.)
* Did you know... kids (12 & under) get in FREE, all day Thursday?
* Did you know... on Thursdays you can enjoy a taste of the fair for just $2? Yep! Yep! Every Thursday from Noon-4 p.m you can enjoy all the fair has o offer for a mere $2. Go HERE for a sample of offerings.
* Did you know... on Thursdays all rides and games are $1 each (valid until 7 p.m.)?
* Did you know... that on Fridays those 60 & Older receive $4 admission, plus FREE Ferris Wheel & Merry-go-round rides?
* Did you know... on Wednesdays & Fridays you can get unlimited rides and two free games for $30(valid until 8 p.m.)? Buy HERE.

Happy Fair going! & Don't miss the ? "Mexican Funnel Cake." It's my favorite fair treat! Afunnel cake made from a churro & topped with whipped cream... the best of both worlds.

xoxo, K

FREE Startup Princess Event

Let’s face it… times are a just a bit tougher these days. And trying to run a business (especially a startup) can be a little discouraging. But never fear, Startup Princess is here!

Please join the Orange County Chapter of Startup Princess on Tuesday, August 4th for that end-of-summer pep talk you’ve been needing to hear! The inspiring Shay Olivarria will be speaking & working with us on goal setting & motivation… teaching you to “Think Bigger Than Your Block.” Come ready to be motivated & uplifted as Shay, a long-time professional speaker, encourages us “to believe in yourself and take the time always to put your best foot forward.”

It’s been six months since the last FREE event & Startup Princess thought it was time to offer another, as a thank you to our loyal members, & hoping to encourage a few “new” Startup Princesses to join the fun! Don’t miss out because there will be plenty of time for networking and awesome giveaways including a free ticket to Touchpoint in SLC, the Startup Princess annual conference held September 11th!

As always, please, feel free to pass this invite along to any women you feel might be interested in participating in our OC Startup Startup Princess. & Don’t forget to bring along pleny of business cards to pass along!

For more detail & to RSVP, go HERE.

xoxo, K

Bella Terra Kids Club

Thanks to our reader Tim, we just found out about another great, FREE kid's activity... the Kids Club at the Bella Terra Shopping Center in Huntington Beach. The Kids Club will be offering FREE children's activities and entertainment every Monday from 10:30-11am from now, through September. Performances are held in the Bell Terra amphitheater, just outside of the Century Theaters. With everything from puppets to storytellers, jugglers & magicians, the Bella Terra Kids Club is definitely a fun way to get over those "Monday Blahs."

What: Bella Terra Kids Club
When: Mondays, 10:30-11am through September
Where: Bella Terra Amphitheater, 777 Edinger Ave., HB, CA 92647

xoxo, K
image via Bella Terra Shopping Center

75¢ Admission to the Discovery Science Center

This weekend (Saturday July 25th & Sunday July 26th) kids 14 & younger, who are accompanied by a paying adult Schools First FCU Member will get into the Discovery Science Center for just 75¢. (Woot! Woot! That's a savings of more than $9 off the regular admission price!)

Even if you aren't a Schools First FCU Member, you'll want to check out the Discovery Science Center one of these days. Their current exhibits are amazing! My boys love the Science of Hockey, Robots & Us and Smokey Bear & Woodsey Owl: Home Sweet Home.

Special thanks to our reader Pattie, for sending us the tip! Keep those tips coming!

xoxo, K

Say "Cheese" OC

One great thing about Just Spotted is that we have the chance to cross paths with amazing people that have unique talents. I want to introduce you to Heather; she is a member of Slow Food OC and also teaches an amazing cheesemaking class:

I began making cheese with Rikki Carroll’s 30-Minute Mozzarella Kit (available at www.cheesemaking.com) in 2005. Since then, I have embarked on a lifelong love affair with cheesemaking. I regularly make soft cheeses at home such as mozzarella, fromage blanc, and sour cream, and for the last couple of years I have been experimenting with aged cheeses. I won Best in Show for my mozzarella in the Orange County Fair “Say Cheese” Fair Theme Competition in 2008. I especially enjoys creating mold-ripened cheeses such as camembert and I am currently experimenting with goat milk cheeses.

What I enjoy most about cheesemaking is sharing the process with others. Cheesemaking is not a secret process known only to select initiates but something many people all over the world did and still do at home every day. I hope that every one of my students makes cheesemaking part of their kitchen repertoire once they discover how quick and economical it is to make soft cheese at home.

My next class in the City of Orange will be held on Friday, August 14 from 7-9pm. For more information, visit www.occheesemaker.com or contact me at info@occheesemaker.com.

xoxo, C (and Heather)

Zing Zang Zoom!

I can definitely understand why they call the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus "The Greatest Show on Earth." How else would you describe the show? Amazingly talented elephants, human cannonballs, magical acts, circus clowns, Bengal tigers, Arabian horses & so much more. My boys sat extremely still & completely transfixed throughout the entire performance (the big bag of cotton candy was almost as big as a thrill, as the show was).

The Circus is in town (in Anaheim that is) until Sunday, July 26th. But don't worry! If you can't make one of these performances, you can also catch the show in Ontario (July 29th - August 2nd), or in San Diego (August 5th - August 9th).

Interested in a sneak peek? Want to see the elephants in action? Check out this video...



xoxo, K

OC Mud Run

Some running in mud, a little chaos,and lots of fun at the OC Mud Run. Next year I am bringing the kids for the eco kids run.

xoxo, C

Hurley US Open of Surfing

Many of the world's greatest surfers are gathering in Huntington Beach, as I type, for the the Hurley US Open of Surfing. Head down to HB July 18-26th & you can join in the fun. Besides the amazing surfing competition, sure to thrill anyone, there is tons of "other" stuff going on... late-night concerts, Hurley's Walk the Walk fashion competition, elite-level BMX, skateboarding & lots more.

The schedule of events, can be foudn HERE & other info is HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Hurley US Open of Surfing

Storytelling at Modjeska & Heriage Hill

OC Parks & The South Coast Storytellers Guild are joining forces to bring storyelling to Modjeska

House & Heritage Hill Historical Park. Come ready to be entertained as these master storytellers "spin yarns and weave tales that amuse, inspire and enthrall listeners."

Modjeska House: Saturday, July 18th, 1-3pm, cost os $5/ person (29042 Modjeska Canyon Rd., Modjeska)
Heritage Hill Historical Park: Wednesdays, July 22nd & 29th, 6:30-8:30pm, cost os $5/ person (25151 Serrano Rd, Lake Forest)

xoxo, K

The Circus: All Access Pre-show

We had a great time at the all access pre-show at the Greatest Show on Earth...ZING ZANG ZOOM! We were able to go onto the arena floor and see the performers and their amazing tricks close-up, but our favorite part of the pre-show were the yummy treats.

xoxo, C

Belly Sprout Pregnancy & New Baby Event

Belly Sprout is this incredible "natural mothering" store located in Fullerton. But really & truly, it is so much more than just a store. If is filled with all kinds of goodies & wonderful things. Everything you could possibly need - from natural bath products & toys, to cloth diapers and an assortment of "baby-wearing" options. & Don't worry moms, they haven't forgotten you, at Belly Sprout you can find all kinds of Eco-Friendly beauty products as well. But enough about the store, this post is about their upcoming Pregnancy & New Baby Event.

Saturday, July 18th Belly Sprout will be playing host to a Pregnancy & New Baby Fair, from 11am -2:30pm. Midwives, doulas, childbirth educators, lactation specialists, natural care practitioners and other parent related vendors will all be on hand to "help guide through your pregnancy and motherhood. Have your questions answered and leave empowered to choose the birth you want as well as the options on how to raise your new baby naturally."

Throughout the day there will baby wearing demos, Tasty Baby & Happy Baby food sampling & a henna artist offering henna art. If you are interested, they will also be having special demos and Q&A sessions throughout the day:
* 11:15 - 12 noon: Birth Options Q&A with local midwives and doulas
* 1 - 1:30pm: New "Green" Baby care

The event is FREE & if you RSVP to alyce@birthingmemories.com you will be entered into a raffle.

Belly Sprout Pregnancy & New Baby Event
Saturday, July 18th, 11am - 2:30pm
426 W. Commonwealth Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714)879-1303

xoxo, K
image via Belly Sprout

Free For ALL Movie Mondays at the OCPAC

Grab the beach chairs, pack a picnic dinner & bring the kids to Orange County Performing Arts Center's FREE for ALL Movie Mondays. For the next four Mondays, the OCPAC will be playing host as they screen several FREE movies, under the stars. The film starts at dusk (approximately 8pm), although you can start setting up at 5:30pm. "In continuing partnership with the Newport Beach Film Festival, a selection of the best short animated films from this year's festival will be shown prior to the main feature. So, don't forget the popcorn (although I'm told a limited amount of "munchies" will be available for purchase), & you might want to bring along a blanket or two. Here's what will be playing:

Monday, July 13th: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Monday, July 20th: Annie
Monday, July 27th: Footloose
Monday, August 3rd: Mamma Mia

The movie screenings will be held on the Community Plaza at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 92626. For more information go HERE.

xoxo, K

Make Sure Your Kids are Protected, No Matter What.

I've heard it said that there is no such thing as FREE legal advice... lucky for you, that isn't true! A local law firm, the Morgan Law Group is hosting a fabulous & FREE event "9 Easy Steps to Make Sure Your Kids Are Protected, No Matter What." Not only is the event FREE, they've even gone to the effort to hire childcare, so you can bring your kids, & they can play while the experts at the Morgan Law Group "take you by the hand and personally share with you how to make sure your kids can be totally protected, if the unthinkable should happen to you."

Sound like something you might be interested in? Then follow these 2 simple steps... step one, pick which of the following dates & times work best for you:

July 16th, 10:30-11:30am
Bears, Buddies & Toys
27911 La Paz Rd., Laguna Niguel

July 21st, 10:30-11:30am
Bears, Buddies & Toys
10061 Adams Ave., HB

July 22nd, 12-1pm
Cal Elite
22982 Avenida Empresa, Rancho Santa Margarita

After you've picked your date & time, RSVP your spot online HERE, or call (949)260-1400.

xoxo, K